Public and business views sought for proposed Burns Statue Square transformation
Local residents and businesses are being invited to take part in a public consultation on the proposed designs for the redevelopment of Burns Statue Square in Ayr.
When the consultation launches on Saturday 16 May, people will be able to view the plans, take part in a survey and talk to the project team at in person events which will take place on –
Saturday 16 May, 11am until 4pm, Communities Fun Day Ayr Academy/Riverside Sports Arena, University Avenue
Saturday 16 May, 10am until 4pm, Ayr Central Shopping Centre, Skye Square
Thursday 21 May, 3pm until 7pm, Ayr Central Shopping Centre
The plans and survey can also be viewed online at www.burnsstatuesquare.co.uk and people have until Saturday 6 June to complete the survey.
The £16m project is being delivered by Ayrshire Roads Alliance, on behalf of South Ayrshire Council and aims to transform the traffic dominated island to create a distinct town centre gateway. Proposed designs feature a welcoming civic space, that celebrates the Square’s heritage by embracing Robert Burns’ love of nature, and will become a destination area for people to visit and enjoy.
Since its development in the early nineteenth century, Burns Statue Square has been a location of civic pride and a defining landmark within Ayr town centre, a place of historic and cultural importance.
Recognising its prominence, Burns Statue Square is one of the ten priority projects identified by South Ayrshire Council.
Using traffic modelling systems, it is anticipated that proposed changes to the road configuration, which includes the realignment of the A70 carriageway southwards away from the south-facing building frontages, along with new signal timings, will lead to more efficient travel on the routes and faster journey times.
As well as redefining the shape, space and presentation of the square, new planting is proposed as well as informal bench seating creating a quality and attractive environment.
In a nod to Burns’ love of nature the proposed design of the Square will feature an interpretation of the local landscape such as meandering paving to represent a local river.
Councillor Brian Connolly, Council Leader and Economy and Strategy Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council said: “This £16 million investment represents a significant boost for Ayr’s economy, helping to create a more vibrant and attractive town centre that supports local businesses, encourages increased footfall, and strengthens Ayr’s appeal as a destination for both residents and visitors.”
Councillor Alec Clark, Depute Leader and Commercial/Operational Servies Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council whose remit includes transportation said:”The proposed redesign of Burns Statue Square will deliver meaningful improvements to traffic flow and journey times, while creating a safer and more efficient road layout that better serves motorists, pedestrians and public transport users alike.”
Councillor Chris Cullen, Leisure and Community Services Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council said:”At the heart of this project is a commitment to our communities—creating a welcoming, accessible and high-quality public space where people can come together, celebrate our heritage, and enjoy a more people-focused environment in the centre of Ayr.”
Councillor Bob Shields, Planning and Regulatory Services Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council said: “We recognise that any proposed changes to traffic arrangements are of particular importance to businesses operating in and around Burns Statue Square. That’s why we are keen to hear directly from local traders as part of this consultation, to ensure their views help shape a design that not only improves connectivity and accessibility but also supports a thriving town centre economy.”
Funding for the £16m project has been secured from the Local Regeneration Fund, formerly known as the Levelling Up Fund.
Results of the public engagement will be made public late summer and presented to South Ayrshire Council elected members in September.
Details of the survey and further information is available from www.burnsstatuesquare.co.uk, telephone, 0800 987 5990 or email BSS@streets-uk.com.
